Week of December 27, 2009

Our grandson, Drew, had a heart for God, even as a wee lad. Standing with me once before a display of ice cream cakes in the grocery store, he pointed to a big cake and said, "I'd give that one to God ‘cause it's the very best." It was no wonder then that Drew questioned what heaven would be like. When my mother died, Drew's mother explained to him that his grandmother had gone to heaven. So when our daughter brought him to the funeral home, his eyes widened as he looked at the beautiful display of flowers and asked, "Is this heaven?" Thankfully, Drew is now a young man who has a better concept of heaven and is living a life dedicated to God.

In this chapter John continues to elaborate, not only on the magnificence of the new city, but also on the amazing blessings we can expect there: God will dwell with us and wipe away every tear from our eyes; and there will be no death, no mourning, no crying, no pain, no unclean thing, no evil person, and no darkness. In fact, the city will not have any need for sun or moon because the glory of God and the lamp of the Lamb will give all the light needed. Also, God will give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life without payment.

There are dire warnings of a lake that burns with fire and sulfur for those who have not come to God to have their sins forgiven. After living in a world darkened by sin, I'm looking forward to having my name written in the Lamb's book of life and spending an eternity worshiping the Lord God in the place He has prepared for those who love Him. Come go with me. There is only one way to peace with God; that is through faith in Jesus. Have you taken that way?

1. Some people say that there is no such place as heaven or hell. How would you respond to them?
2. When you think of heaven, what do you anticipate the most?